Kuala Lumpur vs Penang

Based on sunshine hours, rain days, comfortable temperatures, and humidity levels, Penang edges ahead as the better destination in January. Penang offers 10 hours of daily sunshine with only 15 rain days, while Kuala Lumpur sees 9 sunshine hours and 21 rain days.

Kuala Lumpur can feel quite hot at 29°C, so plan for heat. Penang runs hot at 29°C.

For travelers who prioritize dry weather, Penang is the stronger choice in January. Penang receives 1 more hour of sunshine per day, which matters for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

Kuala Lumpur reaches an average high of 29°C (84°F) and drops to 22°C (72°F) at night during January. The daily temperature range is 7°C, meaning relatively stable temperatures from day to night.

Penang averages 29°C (84°F) for the high and 24°C (75°F) for the low, with a daily range of 5°C. The two cities feel quite similar in terms of temperature.

Both cities are in the Northern Hemisphere, so they share the same seasonal pattern in January.

Kuala Lumpur receives approximately 203 mm of rainfall across 21 rain days during January. Rain is frequent, so waterproof gear is essential.

Penang sees 114 mm over 15 rain days. That makes Penang the drier option by 6 rain days and 89 mm of total precipitation.

Both cities share similar humidity levels at 82%.